Folding stand, stool, or other like article



S. W.'WARDWELL, DECD. c. v. J. CHRISTENSEN, E. 0. SMITH. A- A. mmmerouAND w. w. BARDSLEY, EXECUTORS.

FOLDING STAND, STOOL, OR OTHER LIKE ARTICLE.-

1,394,381. APPLICATION man JAN-1711919. Patented Oct. 18,1921.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

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, 5 3,1. m w: w j r S. W. WARDWELL, DECD. c. v. I. CHRISTENSEN, E. 0.sun, A. A. ARMINGTON AND W. w. BARDSLEY, EXECUTORS. FOLDING STAND,STOOL, OR OTHER LIKE ARTICLE.

APPLICATION FILED IAN. I7, 1919.

4 S-HEETS SHEET 2.

S. W. WARDWELL, DEC'D.

c. v.1. CHRlSTENSEN.E-C.SMITH,A. A. mmmcrou AND w. w. BARDSLEY,axzcuroag. FOLDING STAND, STOOL, OR OTHER LIKE ARTICLE.-

APPLICATION FILED JAN-17,1919.

Patented Oct. 18, 1921.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3- farm S. W. WARDWELL, DEC'D.

c. v.1. CHRISTENSEN, E- c.sMlIH,.A. A. ARMJNGION AND w. w. BARDSLEY,zxscurons. FOLDl-NG STAND,'. STO0L,. OR OTHER LIKE ARTICLE.

Patented Oct. 18, 1921-.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 11, i919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

5 w F ii 1 w "a .72 a; 61 l l g 4 Q: I 6 g Ede/liar:

llfarlzy 'UNITEE STATES PATENT OFFICE. A

SIMON W. WARDWELL, OF PROVIDENCE, RI-IODE ISLAND; CARL V. J.CHRISTENSEN,

EDWIN C. SMITH, ARTHUR A. ARLVIINGTON, AND \VILLARD W. BARDSLEY, EXECU-TORS OF SAID SIMON W. W'ARDNELL, DECEASED.

FOLDING STAND, STOOL, OR OTHER LIKE ARTICLE.

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Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 18, 1921.

Application filed January 17, 1919. Serial No. 271,699.

To (LZZ "whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, SIMON W. VVAnnwnLL, a citizen of the United States,residing at Providence, in the county of Providence, State of RhodeIsland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in FoldingStands, Stools, or other like Articles, of which the following is aspecification.

.lfl'y invention relates to improvements in folding stands, tables,stools or other like articles of domestic and commercial utility. Theparticular object of my improvement is to provide an article of thistype which while being light in weight will have sufficient strength andrigidity to support relatively heavyloads, and which may be folded intosmall compass to render it easily portable. Other objects of theimprovement are to simplify the construction of the device, whilerendering it more convenient and easy to operate in setting it up orfolding its parts together, and further, to enhance its artisticappearance.

The manner and means for carrying out these improvements are fullydescribed in the following specification, illustrated by theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate likeparts. in the drawings:

Figure l. is a side elevation of the improved stand or table, showing iterected;

Fig. 2, a front elevation of the same;

Fig. 8, a side view of the device, showing its parts in folded relation;

4:, a vertical sectional view of one of the upper hinge-joints of thedevice;

Fig. 5, a rear view of the same, showing the detent-catch for the joint;and

Figs. 6 and 7, views similar to Figs. 4: and 5 illustrating one of thelower joints of the device.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, my improved. stand or table as hereshown comprises an upper section A hingedly mounted on, a central, mainsection B which is supported from the floor by folding legs C, C. Theupper section A consists of two parallel side-arms or uprights 2, 2surmounted by a flat top or table T. Preferably, the uprlght 2, 2 are ofskeleton structure, having portions cut away to lighten their weight,and witlrtheir out-lines conforming to graceful scrolls as shown inFig, 1. At their upper ends the uprights 2, 2 are formed with hollow,blocks 8, 3 joined by a cross-tie 4 and surmounted by square lugs 5, 5.The tabletop T may be constructed as a casting, or may be struck up fromsheet-metal, and is formed on its sides with an overhanging, flanged rim6. is shown in Fig. 2, the top T rests on the lugs 5, 5 of the uprights2., 2 with its flange 6 overhanging the sides thereof and riveted orotherwise secured thereto at 7, 7, see also Fig. 1.

At their lower ends the uprights 2, 2 are formed with hubs 8, see Fig.4, which are surrounded by circular rims 9 joined thereto by radialspokes 10. The rims 9 provide extended, ring-like bearing-seats whichare adapted to abut corresponding circular seats 11 at the top of theside-members or uprights 12, 12 of the central stand section B. As shownin F 1, the uprights 12 of the section B are also of skeleton structure,being ornamented by grill-Work in scroll design. The bearing-seats 11 onthe upright 12 are formed with central hubs 13 connected tiereto byspokes 14, see Fig. 4, and both hubs 8 and 13 at either side of the tandare bored axially to receive a tubular bushing 15 which serves as thepivot for the hinged joint between the parts. As shown in Fig. 4, thebushing 15 is provided with outwardly turned flanges 16 and 17 formed byspinning or swaging up the ends of the tube. The inner flange 16 abutsthe end of the hub 8 on the upright 2, while the outer flange 17 isspaced away from the end of the hub 13 on the upright 12 to adapt thebushing to receive a spider-like spring-washer 18. The washer 18 ispreferably constructed of sheet-metal with a central. bore fitted to thebushing 15, and with radial arms 19, dished inwardly to adapt them tobear against the bearing-ring 11 to force it against the seat 9, seealso Fig. 1. it will be understood that the bushing 15 is insertedthrough the hubs 8 and 13 and the spring-washer 18 placed on its outerend before the flange 17 is swaged out there from. After the parts arethus assembled the swaging out of the flange 17 draws the parts togetherto force the spring-washer 18 against the bearing-ring 11, whereby thelatter is held against the ring-seat 9 to provide a frictional contacttherebetween. In this manner the parts are maintained in cooperativerelation Without play or backlash ner end of the bushing 15 to enter abore 26 in the end of one ofthe arms of a lateral frame or cross-brace24 which joins the two uprights 12, 12 together, see Fig. 2. The

- frame 24 is of skeleton structure in the form r Fig. 6f

of an ornamental cross bearing a central panel 25. The panel 25 may beornamented with a design in relief or may serve as a name-plate forcommercial legends or other inscriptions. Extending between the upperarms of the frame 24 is a hollow rod or tubular cross-tie 22 having itsextremities fitted over the ends of the opposite studs 20. As shown inFig. 4, the ends ofthe cross-tie 22 abut the sides of the upper arms ofthe frame 24 and are united to the studs 20 by rolling-the walls of thetubing into annular grooves 23 formed on the peripheries of the studs.At the ends of the lower arms of the frame 24 are hubs 27 having boresfor receiving headed studs 28 driven therethrough. The ends of the studs28 project beyond the hubs 27 and are inserted in the bores of bushings32 whichunite the sidemembers 12 of the stand-section B with its legs U,C, see

Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, the grill-work of the side-members orstandards 12 terminates at the lower end in enlarged, circular rims orbearing-rings 30 provided with integral spokes supporting central hubs31. Inserted through the axial bores of the hubs 31 are the tubularbushings 32 which serve as pivots for the hinge-joints of the legs C, C.Both legs C, C on each side of the stand are formed with circularbearing-rings 3 3, 34 united to central hubs 35, 36 by radial spokes 37,38. As shown in Fig. 6, the bearing-ring 30 of the standard 12 abuts theside of the ring 33 on one leg C and the outer face of the latter fitsagainst the ring 34 on the oth'erleg C, providing a three-partcomplementary hearing which is held together by the flanged ends of thebushing 32 reaching through the hubs 31, 35, 36. The flanges 39 and 40on the ends of the bushing 32 are swaged outwardly against the ends ofthe hubs to draw the parts snugly together, but in this case nospring-washer is employed as with the upper joints before described. Asshown in Fig. 1, the legs C of the front pair curve outwardly at thebottom to form extended feet 41, while the legs C of the other pair aredesigned with reverse curves terminating in the smaller feet 42.Extending between the opposite legs C, C and C C of each pair arebrace-rods 43, 44 which are riveted or otherwise secured at their endsin suitable bosses 45.

The several parts of the stand are held in erected position by means ofspring-controlled detents operating on the hinge-joints. As shown inFigs. 1 and 5, a lever 'is pivoted on each upright 2 of the upperstandsection A to adapt it to lock the. latter in extended relation withthe uprights 12 of the section B. Preferably, the lever 50 isconstructed f sheet-metal, being formed with opposite, parallel arms 51bent inwardly to straddle the sides of the upright 2, and pivotedthereto by a cross-pin 52. At its lower end the lever 50 is bent atrightangles to form a toe 53 which is offset from the side of theupright 2 to adapt it to engage a slot 54cut into the edge of a fin 55on the upright 12. A flat spring 56 riveted to the inner side of thelever 50, see Fig. 5, bears at its opposite end on the edge of theupright 2 to maintain the toe 53 of the lever in engagement with theslot 54.

A similar arrangement of detents is applied to the joints between theside-members 12 and the legs C, C. Referring to Figs. 1 and 7, the legCcarries a lever 60 having arms 61 straddling its sides and pivoted on across-pin 62. The upper end of the lever 60 is offset laterally to adaptit to lie across the joint between the bearing-rings 33, 30 of the leg Cand upright 12, and is formed with a toe 63 which engages aliningnotches or slots 64 and 65 therein. On the upper side of the slots 64,65 are projecting lugs 66, 67 which act as stops for the end of thelever to insure that its toe 63 will drop into the slots after they arebrought into alinement by turning the parts of the joint. A spring 68 onthe under side of the lever 60 bears againstthe edge of the leg C tocarry the toe 63 of the lever into the slots 64, 65 as they are broughtinto register therewith. Having now described the construction andarrangement of the parts of my improved stand or table, the manner oferecting and folding it will next be explained.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrates the stand erected with the opposite pairs oflegs C, C spread apart to provide a firm support on the floor, and withtheir bearing-rings 33 and 34 locked to the rings 30 of the uprights 12by the levers 60 engaging the slots 64, 65. see Fig. 7. The legs C, Care thus held from turning on their hinges and the uprights 12 aresupported in vertical position thereon, and in rigid relation thereto.In the samemanner the upper section A of the stand is held erect on themid-sectio11 B with the bearings 9 and 11 locked against turning throughthe engagement of the levers 50 with the slots 54. lVith the table inits erected position the uprights 2 and 12 are tied together and lowerends of the uprights 12 against lateral movement. To further stiffen andbrace the stand the cross-rods 43 and 4:4: tie the opposite pairs oflegs C, C together to prevent them from spreading. It will thus be seenthat the sides of the stand are rigidly trussed and braced againstlateral movement so that its whole structure is reinforced and stiffenedto provide the required stability and prevent wabbling.

The most convenient method of folding the stand for storing or carryingis as follows: The operator stands at the front and reaching in back ofthe uprights 2 presses on the levers 50 to release their ends from theslots 54: on the uprights 12. The upper section A i then turned on itshinges to fold it down against the central brace or frame 24, asrepresented by dotted lines in Fig. 1. With the top section A foldeddown in this manner the operator next grasps the uprights 12 near theirlower bearings and turns the stand bodily over to rest its back on thefloor. Now by reaching in under the sides of the stand, a slightpressure of the fingers on the levers 60 will unlock the legs C, C andthey may be folded back as shown in Fig. 3. The rear legs 0' C are firstbrought around until their tie-rod l i strikes against the back of thelegs C, C and both pairs of legs can then be swung together to fold themdown alongside the uprights 12, 12. Referring to Fig. as the legs arecarried into this position the tie-rods 43, is will bring up against thecurved sides of the uprights 2, 2 of the upper folded section A, and inthis way a limit or stop is provided to maintain the parts in theirfolded rela tion. It will be observed from Fig. 3 that the stand maythus be folded into a very compact form to occupv a minimum space. Inits folded relation it may be inclosed in a small hand-valise ortraveling-case or may be stored within a limited space.

My improved device may be constructed in the form of a table, stand ordesk as herein illustrated, or may be adapted for other purposes. Forinstance, it may be used as a stool or chair by providing a seat for itstop, or it might be made in the form of a settee, bench or other articleof furniture. In the form shown it provides a convenient support forhousehold articles such as phonographs, or for oiiice appliances such astypewriters and the like. It will be noted that while being extremelylight in weight and ornamental in appearance, the device is neverthelessexceedingly staunch and rigid and will support relatively heavy loads.Furthermore, it is easily set up and when once erected cannot collapse,while requiring but a few simple operations to fold its parts together.In its folded relation it is extremely compact and is therefore welladapted for transportation or storage.

Various modifications might be made in the structure and arrangement ofthe parts of my improved device without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention, therefore, without limiting myself to the exactembodiment herein shown and described, what I claim is:

1. In a folding stand, stool or like article of utility, the combinationwith a main central section comprising uprights, of a crossframeconnected to the upper and lower ends of the uprights, an upper sectionhaving uprights hinged to those of the central section, legs hinged tothe lower ends of the central section, and detent-means on the hingespreventing turning action thereof] to maintain the parts of the stand iner; tended relation.

2. In a folding stand, stool or like article of utility, the combinationwith a central section comprising opposite parallel uprights formed withhinge-joints at their upper and lower ends, of an upper sectioncomprising parallel uprights hinged to the joints of the central sectionand joined to I gether by a top, folding legs hinged to the lower jointsof the central section, and a cross-frame connected to the four jointsof the central section to brace its sides.

3. In a folding stand, stool or like article of utility, the combinationwith a central section comprising opposite parallel uprights formed withenlarged bearing-seats at their upper and lower ends, of an uppersection comprising parallel uprights formed with bearing-seats at theirlower ends fitted to the hearings on the central section, a topconnecting the upper ends of the uprights of the upper section, twopairs of legs having bearing-seats fitted to the seats at the lower endof the central section, pivots connecting the several bearings of theparts to provide hinge-joints therebetween, and detent-means on thehingejoints to prevent relative turning of the bearings whereby to lockthe parts in extended relation.

4. In a folding stand, or like article of utility, the combination witha central sec tion comprising opposite parallel uprights formed withbearings at their upper and lower ends, of an upper section comprisinguprights having bearings at their lower ends, pivots connecting saidbearings, a top supported on the upper ends of the lastnamed uprights,folding legs pivoted to the bearings at the lower end of the centraluprights, and a lateral frame extending between the sides of the centralsection with its ends abutting the inner sides of the several bearings-5. In a folding stand or the like, the combination with a centralsection comprising opposite parallel uprights provided with pivotbearings at their ends, of an upper section having uprights pivoted tothe upper bearings of the central section, two pairs of legs pivoted tothe lower hearings ot' the central section, and detent levers mounted onsaid bearings and adapted to engage alining cross-slots in the oppositesides thereof to lock the parts in extended relation.

6. In a folding stand or the like, the combination with a centralsection comprising opposite spaced uprights formed with pivot hearingsat their ends, of an upper section comprising uprights hinged to theupper bearings 01 the central section, a cross-rod extending betweensaid bearings, a cross frame extending between the sides of the centralsection, two pairs of legs pivoted to the lower bearings of the centralsection, and detent-means for locking the bearings from turning wherebyto hold the parts in extended relation.

Z. In a folding stand or the like, the combination with a centralsection comprising opposite parallel uprights provided with hearings attheir upper and lower ends, of an upper section having uprights providedwith bearings fitted to those at the top or the central section, a pairof folding legs having bearings fitted to those at the bottom of thecentral section, bushings inserted through the bearings and held thereinby flanges at their ends, a lateral "frame extending'between thebearings on the up rights of the central section, and studs inserted inthe bushings of the hearings to secure the frame in place.

8. In a folding stand or the like, the combination with a centralsection comprising opposite parallel uprights formed with bearings attheir ends, of an upper section having opposite uprights formed withbearings fitted to those at the top of the central section, folding legsformed with bearings fitted to those at the bottom of the centralsection, bushings extending through the bearings and flanged outwardlyat their ends to hold the parts in place, a lateral frame extendingacross the central section between its bearings, studs inserted in thebushings of the hearings to hold the frame in place, and across-tieextending between the ends of two opposite studs to brace the uprightsapart.

9. In a folding stand, the combination with a central section comprisingtwo opposite uprights formed with bearings at their ends, oi. an uppersection having uprights provided with bearings fitted to those at thetop of the central section, folding legs having bearings fitted to thoseat the bottom or" th central section, bushings extending through saidbearings, a lateral frame extending etween the bearings, studs insertedthrough the bushings to secure the frame in place, and tubular cross-tieextending between two opposite studs and united thereto by rolling itswalls into peripheral grooves in the studs.

10. in a folding stand or the like, the combination with a centralsection comprising opposite parallel uprights, of a crosstranieconnected to the upper and lower ends of said uprights, an upper sectioncomprising a top supported on uprights hinged to the upper ends of thecentral uprights to adapt it to fold down therebetween, legs hinged tothe lower ends of the central uprights to adapt them to fold upwardlyalongside thereof, detent-ineans on the hinges to lock the parts inextended relation, and means to limit the movement of the parts as theyare folded together.

in testimony whereof I aiiix my signature SIMON W. WARDVVELL.

